2018 has been a healthy year for drum and bass, with new artists and labels emerging with their own unique styles. We caught up with Coded resident RCB and member of Monk Audio, one of London's fastest growing labels.
Monk Audio have had a busy year hosting rooms in Brighton's Volks nightclub and running a charity event at the Red Lion in Gravesend. They've had releases from Mela, Max Baker and OB, with more music to expect this year.
Tell us a bit about yourself and Monk Audio
My name’s Rob, and I produce/DJ under the name RCB as well as co-manage Monk Audio. My musical influences growing up ranged far and wide but I got into drum and bass around 2012. When mixing, my tune selection can vary a lot due to all the different styles I love.
When I'm not working on my own music I manage Monk Audio, a young label based in Kent. Monk Audio formed in the tail end of 2017 as has rapidly grown throughout 2018 hosting events and releasing tunes. We’ve also been working hard to build a sense of community within our team.
How did you come about joining the label and what styles are you trying to push with releases?
I originally joined Monk as an artist, after posting a clip of my music on Facebook. The boys asked if I had more tunes for an EP as they liked my style and that was my introduction to the group. My background is in art and design so I started helping with graphics and advice and slowly got trusted to be more involved.
In terms of style we’re trying to push a mixed bag of sub genres whilst still developing that unique Monk sound. Having a variety within releases is great as I think that finding one style that's fashionable and works for now is an easy trap for young labels to fall into and this is something we’re keen to avoid. We want Monk Audio to feel like a breath of fresh air in the music scene, rather than do what everyone else is doing to try and gain a bit of notoriety. So far it seems to be working!
Who are the other members and how has it been working with them as a team on the label?
Within Monk Audio we have a core team for management and also a brilliant team of resident DJ/MCs who help us out when we need it. Working within a team like the one we have is great because we all have our own strengths and ideas which we combine to make things work and we bounce off each other well. Unfortunately, we’re not yet at the stage where we can take Monk full time so having a few of us to rely on helps in that regard as any time a job needs doing at least one person normally has a gap in their schedule they can use to get the work done.
What would you say is your favourite track of your own, released or unreleased, and why?
My favourite track is normally always the track I’m currently working on, so right now it’s probably an untitled work in progress. I have my first release on Monk coming out next month, a collaborative EP with Shepherd featuring our track Swordplay. Swordplay has been making the rounds for a while now. I originally started the idea back in early 2016 and by being my first release with Monk will always make it special for me.
You guys have hit the ground running when it comes to events, what’s been your favourite event to host so far and why?
My favourite event of ours so far has been our second event at the Red Lion. We organised a fundraiser for a local hospice in Dartford, Ellenor, as they had been a big help to one of our resident DJs when his son was suffering from leukaemia. While it wasn’t the biggest venue the night had a great vibe and with the cause being so close to us all it’s the event that’s meant the most.
What can we expect from Monk Audio this year?
We finished 2018 very strongly and are aiming to continue 2019 in the same vein on all fronts. We will be releasing new music on the first Friday of every month as well as a few extras here and there throughout the year so keep your eyes peeled on our socials for loads of updates and tunes. We’re currently planning several events dotted around the country to bring Monk nationwide. On top of our own events we’ll also be taking over room three at RUN in Bristol next month which has us all quite gassed!
Facebook - RCBdnb / MonkAudioUK
Twitter - RCBdnb / MonkAudioUK
Instagram - RCBtakespictures / MonkAudioUK
Soundcloud - RCBdnb / MonkAudioUK
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